Oil rectifier for internal-combustion motors



Feb. 11, 1930. w, B, CL-[FFORD 1,746,637

OIL REGTIFIER FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTIONMO'OBS Original Filed Sept. 30, 1924 Patented Feb. 1v1, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WALTER B. CLIFFORD, OF FRAMINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO THE CLIF- `.FORD CORPORATION, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A. CORPORATION OF MASSACHU- OIL REOTI'FIER FOR NTERNALfCOMBUSTION MOTORS Application filed September 30, 1924, Serial No. 740,800. Renewed Ju1y`9, 1929.

The present invention relates to apparatus designed for the refining and purification of lubricating oils and is adapted more particulai-ly for embodiment in internal combustion motors. i

The maintenance of the lubricating oil contained in the crank-case of an internal combustion motor free from substantial dilution with either gasoline or water, or both, is vital to the satisfactory operation and long life of the `inotor. This dilution occurs vprimarily i through lealrage of either liquid or vapor past the `piston rings and may vary considerably, depending upon 'the temperature of the mo-l tor,fthe fit ofthe pistons and the efiiciency of the carbureter. In any event, even under the best conditions of operation,ia constant and progressive accumulation of diluent takes place during the operation of the motor.

t is one object of the present invention to provide a` simple, compact and efficient form of apparatus for substantially freeing the lubricating oil` from such dilution.

`A further object of the invention is to proformed as an integral part ofthe `internal combustion motor or applied thereto as an accessory with equal facility. h

lith these `and other objects in View, the

several features of theinvention consist in certain novel features of construction, com` binations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described `and claimed, the advantages of which will be obvious to those skilled, in the art from the following description.

. Tn the accompanying drawings illustrating the preferred form ofthe invention, Fig. 1 represents a section in elevation of a rectifying apparatus inserted directly inthe exhaust manifold of an internal combustion motor; and Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same apparatus designed for connection to the eX- haust manifold through a suitable system of,

piping. i

The form of apparatus shown in the illusstrated embodiment of the invention operates in accordance with Vthe principles disclosed in my earlier .filed copending application Serial No. 713,857. In this type of apparatus,

' the lubricating oil lfrom the crank-case of the vide `a rectifying apparatus which maybe ture within the refining chamber is controlled.V

by a thermostat, which opens an oil delivery valve when the temperature within the refining chamber is elevated to a predetermined point. The opening of the delivery valve permits the introduction of relatively cold oil into the chamber. The introduction of this cold body of oil, together with the heat abstracted by the vaporizing of diluents, subsequently reducestheteinperature below the refining point and causes the oildelivery valve to close. Thereafter the temperature is again elevatedand a new discharge of oil permitted. The operation as above described is re-V peated during the operation of the motor, the frequency' of discharge and its duration depending upon a number of variables. In no case, however, is oil passed through the refining chamber without being raised to the refining temperature. The oil delivery `valve is conveniently connected with a portion of the circulating system at a point where thel oil is under pressure created by the circulating pump. The oil, after passage through the refining chamber, is returned to the crank-case of the motor and the diluent in the form of vapor is discharged either into the atmosphere, into the intake of the carbureter, or into `a suitable form of` condensing receptacle.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention-shown herein, the oil delivery pipe is indicated at 10. This pipe is connected in any suitable manner with a threaded sleeve 12, which extends through ahead 1li. The sleeve is threaded in the head at 'and is locked in predetermined position by a check nut 16. Also depending from the head 14e and supported thereby is a thin wallcdtube 18 threaded at itsupper end upon a boss 20.

evident that the liquid employed within the thermostat should be of such a character that it does not vaporize under the temperatures employed in the refining chamber. Connected with the thermostatic element and proj ecting upwardly therefrom is an operating stem 26, which extends within the sleeve 28 and is designed to engage and lift a ball valve 27 when a predetermined temperature is reached. The ball valve is conveniently seated upon the upper edge of a sleeve 28,whichis threaded within the lower end ofthe sleeve 12 at 30. The valve is maintained upon its seat by a coiled spring 32 interposed between the end of the pipe l0 and a thimble 34 seated upon the ball valve. lBy adjusting the sleeve 12 vertically with respect to the head 14, the position of the ball valve with relation to the upper end of the stem 26 may be varied in a 20y manner to vary the predetermined point at which the ball is raised from its seat through expansion of the thermostat. It will be observed that this provides a convenient and simple method of adjusting the temperature of operation. The lower end of the thermostatic element is rigidly heldwithin the tube 18 by virtue of a ring 33 and set screws 34. This mounting resists the thrust of the then mostat and causes the expansion to result in an upward movement of the stem 26. The tube 18 and thermostatic element contained therein is entirely surrounded by a deepv drawn metallic housing 40, which is preferably made of relatively thin metal capable of a high rate of heat transfer, such as copper or a copper alloy. The upper end of the housing 40 is'provided with an outwardly extending {ia-nge 42 which is connected to the periphery of the head through bolts 44. The iousing is also provided with an annular depressed portion indicated at 46 for a purpose to be presently described. The oil discharged through the delivery valve 2T passes downwardly within the tube 1S about the thermostatic element. From this point, the oil passes outwardly into the interior of the housing 40 through openings 46 of comparatively large size formed in the lower portion of the tube and thence upwardly around the tube. The level of the oil within the tube and the housing is maintained atV a predetermined height through Vthe provision of an oil outlet 50 extending from the side of the housing outwardly and designed to be connected with a return pipe, not shown. It will be evident that with this construction the refining chamber is formed in two parts consisting of an inner chamber enclosing the thermostat and an outer chamber exposed directly to the heat of the exhaust gases, the two chambers co1nmunicating freely with one another through the openings in the inner tube 18. As the rirculation of oil' through the refining chamber is lfirst downwardly about the thermostat and thence upwardly, it will be obvious that the thermostat is separated from the outer Ihot wall of the chamber by a double wall of oil. As the tube separating the inner from the outer chamber is of thin wall copper, or similar material, the transfer of heat is exceedingly rapid, and does not interfere with the elevation of the oil to the distilling point. The housing 40 enclosing the retining chalnber is received directly within the exhaust manifold of the internal combustion motor indicated generally at 52. The exhaust manifold may have any desired configuration and may be provided with a bulging or rounded portion to permit insertion of the rectifying apparatus within the enlarged space provided by the bulge. If so desired, the rectifying device may be conveniently inserted at the elbow of the exhaust manifold or the point at which it turns downwardly to be connected with the usual muiiler. An opening indicated at 54 is formed in the exhaust manifold and is surrounded by a flat faced-off portion to facilitate attachment of a supporting heater housing 60. This housing, as indicated clearly in Fig. 1, is provided with an outturned flange 62 attached tothe exhaust manifold through bolts 64. A sealing gasket 66 may be inserted between the flange and the face of the housing to prevent the escape of exhaustgases. The upper end of the heater housing is provided with an outturned flange 68 which is connected to the head 14 through the bolts 44. It will be ob` served that with this construction the exhaust gases passing through the exhaust manifold circulate freely about the lower end of the housing 40 and upwardly through the annular space separating the housing 40 from the surrounding housing 60. The rectifying apparatus, as illustrated in Fig. 1, is approximately the size of apparatus used in actual practice. It will thus be evident that with the exhaust gases at a temperature of 1000o F., or above, the temperature within the refining chamber may be readily elevated to the relinng point, which may approximate 400 F. or

ess.

TheV purified oil outlet indicated at 50 is sealed to the side wall of the housing 40 lthrough a flanged sleeve 70 extending through an opening in the housing and clamping the wall of the housing against an outer spacer sleeve 72. A third sleeve 73 threaded into the spacer sleeve serves to clamp the assembly to the outer housing 60. In order to enhance the eliciency of the seal, the tubular wall of the housing 40 may be flattened throughout the area of contact with the sleeve 70. It will be observed that the puriiied oil outlet determines the oil level within the refining chamber, the height of this body of oil being sufficient to insure complete immersion of the thermostatic member at all times.

The discharge of diluent in the form of vapor is permitted by a vaporoutlet 80 mounted in the head 14 and Communicating with the refining chamber through ,the an# nular depressed portion '46 of the housing 40. Communication between the vapor outlet and the interior of the housing 18 is also afforded through the provision of openings 82 formed in the upper portion of the tubular member 18 above the discharge point of the delivery valve.

` It will befevident that with thisconstruction the thermostatic element and delivery valve may be readilyyassembled with the surrounding housing. `Furthermore the thermostat and delivery valve assembly may be readily removed for inspection without dismounting the rectifying apparatus from its position within the exhaust manifold. It will be furthermore evident that at only one point is there opportunity for leakage of hot oil from the refining chamber. At this point, that is the connection of the oil outlet with the side wall of the housing, the thin copper wall of the housing is rigidly clamped between the opposing faces of steel coupling members to effectually insure against any possibility of leakage.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. Q illustrates the manner in which the oil rectifying apparatus may be attached to the `eihaust manifold Without insertion directly therein. In this form, the supporting, housing 60 of Fig. 1 is formed as a cup shaped member 90 completely surrounding the housing 40 and having connections at yopposite sides indicatedat 92 and 94 for the flow of exhaust gases therethrough, these connections being coupled to the exhaust manifold in any suitable manner. It will be evident that the construction of thisform of apparatus is substantially identical `with that shown in Fig.

1 with the sligliteXception of the outer heater housing, which in the alternative form is caused to completely surround the refining chamber. f i A A substantially uniform pressure in the refining chamber and a relatively free circulation of atmospheric air is obtained by virtue of an opening 96 formed in the head 14 above the annular bowl-shaped refining chamber. In addition to promoting a free circulation of air through the refining chamber, the provision of the opening serves toadmit a thermometer or temperature indicator to test the temperature of the chamber.

The present form of apparatus, due to the relatively small volume of oil contained in the refining chamber `and the high rate of heat transfer through the thin metallic walls, reduces theftime lag between starting of the motor and elevation of temperature to the refining range *within the chamber. rlhereafter the oil is passed through insufficient volume to maintainthe dilution well withinw practical limits, event/ith very substantial accumulation of dil'uent 1in the crank-ease.

It should be understood that the initial adjustment of the 'oil delivery valve with Are-` may be changed or modified without departing from the vbroader features ofthe invention. i

The invention having been described, what is claimed is: Y i

1'. An oil rectiiier for internal combustion motors comprising a head, an oil delivery `pipe connected to the head, a thermostati'c element, means operatively connected therewith forcontrolling the flow of oil through the delivery pipe in accordance with thetemperature of the oil, a housing completely surrounding the thermostatic element and connected to the head, means for ldirecting the initial circulation o'foil downwardly through the central vportion of the housing and laround the thermostatie element,means fordischarging oil from the housing, and means for conducting 'eXhaust gases around the housing to heat the -oil therein. y

2. `Oil rectifyinfg apparatus for internal combustion motors comprising an :elongated refining chamber, means for `heating the chamber', a head closing the upper portion of the chamber, a tube extending downwardly into thech'amber from the head, a thermostat supported by thetube, an oil inlet passage communicating w-ith the upper portion of the tube, meansoperated by the thermostat for controlling the flow of oil from the inlet passage into the tub-e, an o'iloutlet pipe 1Com-` municating with the refining chamber and adapted to maintain a substantially predetermined level ofoi-l therein, and a `vapor out-i let communicating with theupper portionof the chamber. i i f 3. Oil rectifying apparatus for internal combustion motors `comprising a vertical, elongated refining chambenmeans for heating the chamber, a `detachable head closing the `upper portion ofthe chamber, a tubular partition extending lengthwise `of theichamber anddividing it into innerand outer parts, a thermostat supported the'tuibular partition and extendingV `len',`g gfthwise therein, means controlled by the thermostat for admitting oil to 'the inner 'part of the refining chamber, means communicating ywith the outer part ofthe refining ohamberfor permitting oil to iiow therefrom 4and for determining the level of oil within the chamber, and ineans communicating with v'the upper portion of the chamber for permitting the removal of vapors therefrom.

4. Oil rectifying apparatus for internal combustion motors comprising 'a refining chamber, means for heating the chamber, a detachable head closing the upper end of the chamber, a partition tube extending from the head lengthwise of the chamber and dividing the chamber into inner and outer paits, a thermostat supported by the tube and extending lengthwise therein, means controlled by the thermostat for governing admission of oil to that part of the chamber within the tube, means communicating with the upper portion of the chamber for permitting the removal of vapors therefrom, and means for communicating with the chamber below the vaporoutlet for ermitting the withdrawal of oil therefrom, ,t ie liquid and vapor outlets being in free communication with one another.

5. Oil rectifying apparatus for internal combustion motors comprising a vertical, elongated refining chamber of generally circular cross-sectionv having a closed bottom portion, means for directing the exhaust gases about the chamber throughout a major portion of its length, a head detachably connected lto the upper portion ofthe chamber,

s. a relatively thin wall tube mounted on the head and extending downwardly into the chamber throughout `substantially its entire length to divide the chamber into inner and outer portions, a thermostat supported b-y the lower end of the tube and extending upwardly therein, an oil inlet passage connected to Athe head and extending downwardly to direct oil into the chamber within the tube, means controlled by the thermostat for governing the admission of oil to the chamber in accordance with the temperature of oil within the chamber, and` means communicating with the chamber at different levels for permitting the removal .of oil and vapor therefrom.

- 6. Oil rectifying apparatus for internal combustion motors comprising an elongated, vertical refining chamber of generally circular cross-section, an annular heating chamber L surrounding the upper portion of the refining chamber and adapted for passage of hot gases therethrough, a head closing the upper portion of the chamber, a partition tube extending throughout the length of the chamber I and dividing the chamber into inner and outer arts, `a thermostat supported at the lower endl of the tube and extending lengthwise thereof, an oil admission passage for directing oil to the upper portion of the chamber within the'tube, and means within the passage controlled by the thermostat for` governing the admission of oil to the chamber in accordance with the temperature of oil within the chamber.

7. Oil rectifying apparatus for interna] combustion motors comprising an elongated, vertical refining chamber, an annular heating chamber surrounding the upper portion of the refining chamber throughout substantially its entire length, a head closing the upper portion of the refining chamber, a tubular partition extending lengthwise of the chamber and dividing it into inner and outer parts, a thermostat supported within the lower end of the tubular partition, an oil admission passage for directing oil into the upper portion of the chamber within the partition, means within the passage for governing the admission of oil to the chamber in accordance with the temperature of oil within the chamber, a purified oil outlet pipe in free communication with the chamber above the thermostat to insure that the thermostat shall be completely immersed in oil in the chamber, and a vapor outlet communicating with the upper portion of the chamber and in free communication with the oil outlet.

8. An oil rectifier for internal combustion motors comprising a deep drawn metallic housing having a closed bottom portion and an aiinulai depressed upper portion terminating in a securing flange, a head connected to the flange, an oil delivery pipe connected to the head and extending into the upper portion of the housing, a tubular member connected to the head and extending lengthwise of the housing and provided with openings formed in the lower portion for causing a circulation of oil downwardly through the member and thereafter upwardly through the housing about the member, an oil discharge pipe connected to the side of the housing above the bottom to maintain a predetermined level ot oil therein, a vapor outlet mounted in the head opposite the depressed portion of the housing, and a heater chamber' surrounding the upper portion of the housing.

9. An oil rectifier for internal combustion motors comprising a head, a drawn metallic housing having an enclosed bottom portion and an upper flanged portion connected to the head and depending therefrom, an inner tubular member extending downwardly within the housing from the head and having openings in the upper and lower portions permitting the flow of vapor and oil respectively from within the tube, an elongated termostatic element mounted in the lower portion of the tubular member, an oil delivery pipe leading into the upper portion of the tubular member, connections controlled by the thermostatic element for governing the flow of' oil through the delivery pipe, means for maintaining a level of oil within the metallic housing, and a heater chamber immediately surrounding the upper portion of the housing and designed to direct exhaust gases thereabout.

W. 10. An oil rectifier for internal combustion motors comprising a series of concentric tubular members enclosing respectively al thermostatic element, an inner 'refining chamber, an outer refining chamber and a heating chamber, an oil delivery pipe communicating with the upper portion of thefirst mentioned chamber, means for permitting circulation of oil from the inner chamber to the intermediate chamber, means for discharging oil from the refining chamber above the bottom, and means for discharging vapor from the upper portion of the refining chamber.

11. Oil recti'i'ying apparatus for internal combustion motors comprising a vertical, elongated refining chamber, a heating chamber surrounding the upper portion of the refining chamber, a thermostat located in the lower portion of the relining chamber and extending lengthwise thereof, an oil admis- `sion valve operated by the thermostat to control the admission of oil to the upper portion of the refining chamber, means :for directing oil after admission first downwardly about the thermostat and thence upwardly in contact with the outer wall of the refining chamber, means for maintaining an oil level in the refining chamber suiicient to insure the complete immersion of the thermostat, and a vapor outlet communicating with the upper portion of the chamber.

12. Oil rectifying apparatus for internal `combustion motors comprising an upright refining chamber of comparatively small cross-section with relation to its length, an `annular bowl-shaped heating chamber sur roundingthe upper portion of the refining chamber and having a comparatively shallow and outwardly flared upper portion, a thermostat located in the lower portion of the reining chamber and extending substantially centrally in the direction of length of the chamber, an oil admission valve operated by the thermostat to control the admission of oil to the upper portion of the chamber, means for directing oil after admission lirst downwardly about the thermostat and throughout the length of the thermostat and thence upwardly in contact with the outer wall of the chamber, means for maintaining an oil level within the refining chamber suliicient to insure the complete immersion of the thermostat, and a vapor outlet communieating with the upper portion of the cham- In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

WALTER B. CLIFFORD. 

